EXSTASIS
My proposal is for an art piece which combines the technologies of
biofeedback and MP3 sound. It would be dedicated to exploring the emotional
state of peace that can often be produced through music. The basic piece
would consist of a chair, similar to a recliner, in which one could sit. The
biofeedback sensors would be placed in the chair. From that point, after
having sensed the emotional state of the participant, the data would then be
transfered to the online database. Using MP3 technology the computer would
download music geared specifically to harmonize with the participants
emotional state, thereby, creating a state of extatia. For the participant ,
I hope to take them to someplace outside, or inside, themselves where they
have never been able to reach before. I find it very interesting to explore
how sound effects the human state. At an immediate level, the EXSTASIS
recliner would serve as a therepeutic device. Longterm, it may be able to
become a new form of "mind recreation".
BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY
MP3 is a recent internet technology that enables people to download or
directly play cd quality music from the internet. Currently the only
drawback is the availability of MP3 music files. Every piece of music that
is available for retail sale, is not available. Also, different music is
available from different sites. For my particular piece I envision an MP3
system which would consolidate all of the varities of music into one
database. Prospectively, it would be cool for all music to be made
accessible to the public via intenet. Do a MP3 search.
Biofeedback is a technology which main ideology is to explore the emotional
states (fear, anger, love). Essentially, it is the first scientific
alternative therapy. Each of the basic emotions (happines, fear,etc.),has
it's physiological base in the neuronal chemical processes. Here is a link
to a good biofeedback site.
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Exstasis would premier as a art installation in a museum. It would serve as
an exploration of the human senses and emotion. If successful as a healing
and or euphoric stimulant it could then move forward and be mass produced. I
sometimes feel trapped into our society. Myself aswell as many other people
often look to stimulants to achieve a state of euphoria. Currently, through
listening to music I achieve an enormous sense of well being. The exstatia
chair would be able to share this pleasure with others.